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1. Can residents burn within the city limits?

No, it is unlawful to conduct any open burning of trash or debris inside the city limits of Durham. Burning permits are NOT issued to City of Durham residents. 

The City Solid Waste Management Department does offer curbside collection of yard waste. The Solid Waste Department can be contacted at 919-560-4186 for information on this service.

2. I have trash and/or yard waste. Can I burn it?

No, it is unlawful to conduct any open burning of trash or debris inside the city limits of Durham. Burning permits are NOT issued to City of Durham residents. 

The City Solid Waste Management Department does offer curbside collection of yard waste. The Solid Waste Department can be contacted at 919-560-4186 for information on this service.

3. Can I have a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace on my property?

Yes.  Details can be found at Recreational Burning.  As a reminder, these regulations pertain to burning within the City limits. Durham County has specific regulations.   

4. How do I find my insurance rating and Fire Station?

Enter your address in Insurance Rating (ISO) and Fire Station?

Find My Insurance Rating.

5. I called for an ambulance. Why did a fire truck arrive?

Firefighters are certified emergency medical technicians and they respond to a variety of medical emergencies within the City. Firefighters supplement services provided by ambulances by arriving quickly and providing additional skilled manpower. The fire trucks carry medical supplies and equipment to stabilize and/or resuscitate patients. As always, call 911 if you have an emergency.

6. I see firefighters at the gym during the workday? Why?

The Fire Department requires firefighters to undergo mandatory annual fitness testing. They are strongly encouraged to take one hour per day for strength training and cardiovascular fitness to maintain their health and to meet the requirements of their annual fitness test.

Firefighters work a 24 hour shift for five days on a rotating schedule. During their off time, some firefighters have opted to purchase their own gym memberships to have access to equipment and facilities in their assigned service area. 

7. Why do I see firefighters at the grocery store during the workday?

Firefighters work a 24 hour shift. Fire stations are equipped with full kitchens to allow firefighters to prepare meals for themselves during their shift. As required by policy, the crew is permitted to shop at a grocery store in their assigned service area to purchase food items for meals. Firefighters buy their own food items, as the fire department does not supplement food purchases. 

8. Can I volunteer for the Durham Fire Department?

We are a paid fire department and do not have volunteer firefighters. The departments below are volunteer fire departments in our area:

Bahama Fire Department

Lebanon Fire Department

Redwood Volunteer Fire Department

Volunteer Departments.

9. I keep calling the fire station. Why am I not getting an answer?

The crew is out of the station. They may be on a call for emergency service, attending a training session, or participating in a community event. If you do not get an answer, please leave a message.

10. My fire alarm is chirping. What does that mean?

If your fire alarm is chirping, it may be time to change your battery. Smoke alarm batteries should be changed twice a year and should be checked monthly. Please call 919-560-4242 and request extension 19223, 19241, or 19242 for more information.

11. How do I reset the alarm and/or replace the battery backup?

To reset the unit:

1.  Turn off the power to the smoke alarm at the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the smoke alarm from the mounting bracket and disconnect the power.
3. Remove the battery.
4.  Press and hold the test button for at least 15 seconds.
5.  The unit may chirp or alarm for a few seconds before going silent.
6. Reconnect the power and reinstall the battery.
7. The unit will chirp once when the power is restored and should not chirp afterwards.

For information, call: 919-560-4242, extension 19223, 19241 or 19242 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

properly change your batteries.

12. There is a fire hydrant that has been running for some time. Why doesn't the fire department cut it off?

The Fire Department will not leave a hydrant running, and if the hydrant is in use by the Fire Department, a department member should be nearby. Other city departments, such as Public Works or Water Management, may leave hydrants running for extended periods of time for a variety of reasons. If you see a hydrant running and there is no sign or labeled piece of equipment indicating that a City agency is at work, call Durham One Call at 919-560-1200 to make a report.

13. How can I get a fire hydrant painted?

The City of Durham Water Department performs all maintenance on City fire hydrants. Call Durham One Call at 919-560-4185 to be connected to a Water Department supervisor that can schedule your request.

14. When are you hiring?

We normally accept applications for entry level applicants annually in April. Certified/Lateral applicant hiring processes may occur any time a need arises. Please visit our Become a Durham Firefighter page.

Becoming a Firefighter page.

15. Where is the nearest fire station to me?

To find the closest fire station to your home address, enter your address at Find my Fire Station

Find My Fire Station System.

16. Where do I send records search requests for property condition assessments such as past history of : hazardous spills, fire code violations, fire inspections, etc.?

Requests for property condition assessments should be requested using the following link:  Fire Report

17. How do I get an ABC permit?

ABC Permit Questions